NL Central

NL West

Now Commenting On:

Groin strain has Gallardo in doubt for Classic

Email

Print

Gallardo, Rogers on rotation 1:13

Brewers pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Mark Rogers talk about Milwaukee's young rotation and expectations for the upcoming season

By Adam McCalvy

PHOENIX -- Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo has been scratched from a Sunday start against the Cubs with a minor groin strain, a setback that could impact his availability for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Gallardo, the top starter for Team Mexico, tweaked his groin during his most recent Brewers start on Tuesday against the Mariners, manager Ron Roenicke said. Gallardo worked two scoreless innings, then surrendered three runs on back-to-back homers in the third.

Instead of pitching Sunday as scheduled, Gallardo will throw a bullpen session. If that goes well, he will pitch an inning for the Brewers on Tuesday in an exhibition against Team Canada, after which Brewers officials and Gallardo will make a decision about the Classic.

"We're going to be cautious with him," Roenicke said. "That's why we're doing what we're doing. … We need to test to make sure he's 100 percent before he goes to the Classic. If he's not ready, then, no he will not pitch."

Left fielder Ryan Braun of Team USA is also banged up a bit after fouling a pitch off his left knee on Thursday. He was out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels.

Roenicke said he did not expect the issue to affect Braun's Classic status. "Every day, it's going to get better," Roencike said. "It's a bruise."

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brew Beat, and follow him on Twitter at @AdamMcCalvy. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.